Furious Cool: Richard Pryor and The World That Made Him

by David Henry, Joe Henry Narrated by Dion Graham

Overview

Richard Pryor was arguably the single most influential performer of the second half of the twentieth century,and certainly he was the most successful black actor/comedian ever. Controversial and somewhat enigmatic in his lifetime, Pryor's performances opened up a new world of possibilities, merging fantasy with angry reality in a way that wasn't just new-it was heretofore unthinkable.




His childhood in Peoria, Illinois, was spent just trying to survive. Yet the culture into which Richard Pryor was born-his mother was a prostitute; his grandmother ran the whorehouse-helped him evolve into one of the most innovative and outspoken performers ever, a man who attracted admiration and anger in equal parts. Both a brilliant comedian and a very astute judge of what he could get away with, Pryor was always pushing the envelope, combining anger and pathos, outrage and humor, into an art form, laying the groundwork for the generations of comedians who followed, including such outstanding performers as Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, and Louis C.K.




Now, in this groundbreaking and revelatory work, David and Joe Henry bring him to life both as a man and as an artist, providing an in-depth appreciation of his talent and his lasting influence, as well as an insightful examination of the world he lived in and the influences that shaped both his persona and his art.

Editorial Reviews

Publishers Weekly - Audio

03/31/2014
The Henry brothers cover the life of Richard Pryor from his childhood in a flophouse to his final days in a mansion. Focusing mostly on his comedic genius of the 1960s and 1970s, the authors trace his progress, his set-backs, his influences, and his more extreme mishaps. Cumulatively, they show both the greatness and limitations of Pryor and his lasting impact on comedy and culture. Narrator Graham provides an standout, moving performance. His deep and projective voice commands listener attention and guides them through the highs to the lows of Pryor’s life. Graham also nails the emotional tension of the book, and provides solid voices for the different people quoted throughout the book. However, most of Graham’s impressions of Prior are so perfect that listeners may wonder whether they are listening to Graham or Pryor. This blend of narration with impersonation makes the audiobook successful. An Algonquin hardcover. (Nov.)

From the Publisher

"A beautifully written account of the troubled life of a manic genius." ---Booklist Starred Review

Library Journal - Audio

★ 02/01/2014
This fascinating and comprehensive biography of actor and comedian Richard Pryor (1940–2005) traces life from his troubled childhood in a brothel in Peoria, IL, through his rise to fame, struggles with addiction, and ultimate decline. In their first book, brothers David and Joe Henry revere Pryor's genius but pull no punches when describing his demons and later output. This moving work captures all the pain and triumph of Pryor's remarkable life. The audio treatment may be better than the printed edition thanks to the excellent narration by Dion Graham, who delivers the excerpts from Pryor's material with flawless comic timing. VERDICT Strongly recommended to anyone interested in Richard Pryor. ["More a compilation of assiduous research than a narrative—with irreverent profanity that echoes Pryor's performances—this book should succeed in introducing a legend to new generations," read the review of the Algonquin hc, LJ 9/1/13; see the Q&A with the authors, p. 44.]—Mark John Swails, Johnson Cty. Community Coll., Overland Park, KS

NOVEMBER 2013 - AudioFile

Comedian Richard Pryor was as screwed up as he was gifted, or perhaps his immense talent was born of his unendurable pain. This work allows listeners to peek into the soul of one of the funniest, and saddest, men who ever lived. Narrator extraordinaire Dion Graham has the ability to become Pryor in all his incarnations: comedian, tortured cocaine addict, loving husband, abusive husband, victim, and tormentor. Graham even imitates Pryor, and mimics Pryor as he mimics the voices of other characters in his act. One thing is for sure, Pryor was best appreciated at a distance because he hurt the ones he loved the most, often physically as well as emotionally. This is the work to hear in order to truly understand the source of Pryor's pained humor and to accept that we may never see anyone like him again. M.S. 2015 Audies Winner © AudioFile 2013, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170514540
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	11/05/2013
Edition description:	Unabridged

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